Blown away in Europe
It was a humbling weekend in Europe for the provinces as only Leinster emerged with a victory.
Munster and Ulster were both soundly thumped on Saturday, with Anthony Foley's side blown away 33-10 by Saracens in their must win game at the Allianz Park, while Ulster were on the receiving end of the heaviest defeat in European history, going down 60-22 to a rampant Toulon at the Stade Felix Mayol.
Connacht were also beaten 33-24 at the Sportsground, and Gerry Thornley believes it wasn't just the defeats - and more injuries to key Ireland internationals - which were disappointing, but more so the manner of the defeats.
O’Mahony stuck for words
For Munster, it meant departing Europe's premier competition at the group stage for only the second time since the 1998/89 season, and Peter O'Mahony was stuck for words to describe the crushing defeat afterwards.
Leinster the one light
But there is still one standing, with Leinster on course for qualification after they hammered Castres 50 points to eight at the RDS, a result which means victory in Coventry against Wasps - who beat Harlequins at The Stoop - would see a safe passage into the knock outs.
Matt O'Connor's side beat Castres without Mike Ross, with Marty Moore and Tadhg Furlong sharing tighthead duties and helping turn the home scrum into a powerful weapon the visitors couldn't cope with.
City lose ground
Manchester City are now five points behind league leaders Chelsea after they were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal at the Etihad yesterday, with Arsene Wenger's side showing a rare bit of steel and solidity so often missing in the bigger games.
Premier League round-up
In the days other game West Ham increased the pressure on Hull City boss Steve Bruce as Sam Allardyce's side won 3-0 at Upton Park, with Andy Carroll on the score sheet again.
On Saturday Manchester United came away from Loftus Road with three points after a 2-0 over QPR, Maroune Fellaini and James Wilson scoring in the second half after a turgid opening 45 which at one point saw Phil Jones taking corners.
Elsewhere, Southampton continued their impressive form with a 2-1 win away at Newcastle, Chelsea hammered Swansea 5-0, Liverpool increased the pressure on Paul Lambert winning 2-0 at Villa Park, Spurs beat Sunderland 2-1 and Crystal Palace came from 2-0 down to beat Burnley 3-2 at Turf moor.
Clare finally win
Keith Duggan was at Sixmilebridge to watch 2013 All -Ireland champions Clare record their first win since March last year as they pipped Tipperary 0-16 0-15.
Dubs march on
New look Dublin continued their impressive start to 2015 as they weathered a late Meath storm to win 1-15 1-13 in front of a 7,500 crowd in Navan.
Roscommon finally beat Mayo
Elsewhere, Roscommon beat Mayo for the first time in 29 years with a tempestuous 2-12 1-10 win in Castlebar.
McGregor mauls Siver
Conor McGregor remains on course for a world title shot after he made light work of beating Denis Siver in front of a partisan Boston crowd in the early hours of this morning, before calling out featherweight champion Jose Aldo.
The fight was a procession, with Siver doing well to make it into the second round where the referee called a stoppage as the German was on the receiving end a barrage of elbows and fists.
Kaymer collapses
Martin Kaymer's spectacular collapse allowed Gary Stal to claim his maiden European Tour victory in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, with Rory McIlroy finishing as a runner up and boosting his position as world number one after a final round of 65.
Vatour back on course
In racing Vatour's Cheltenham hopes are back on track after a comfortable win at Leopardstown, while Kevin Prendergast's decision to charge Brian Huges with the task of riding his big race hope, Katie T, paid off in style with victory coming in the Boylesports Hurdle.
Changing attitudes
Malachy Clerkin spoke to Donal Og Cusack, who has made a film about changing attitudes towards homosexuality.
